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NFL Hopes To Settle Concussion Lawsuits for $765 Million

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A federal judge says the NFL and thousands of former players hopes to settle concussion-related lawsuits for $765 million.

The proposed settlement comes days before the season starts and would fund health screenings, medical compensation and research. Any of the approximately 18,000 former NFL players are eligible.

The plaintiffs include Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett, Super Bowl-winning quarterback Jim McMahon and the family of Pro Bowler Junior Seau, who committed suicide.

Individual awards would be capped at $5 million for men with Alzheimer's disease; $4 million for those diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy after their deaths; and $3 million for players with dementia.

The lawsuits accuse the league of hiding known risks of concussions.

The NFL says Commissioner Roger Goodell told lawyers to "do the right thing for the game and the men who played it."

Settlement Highlights:

- NFL would pay $765 million plus legal costs, but admits no wrongdoing.

- Individual awards would be capped at $5 million for players suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

- Individual awards would be capped at $4 million for deaths from chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

- Individual awards would be capped at $3 million for players suffering from dementia.

- Money would go toward medical exams and concussion-related compensation for NFL retirees and their families, and $10 million toward medical research.

- Senior U.S. District Judge Anita Brody in Philadelphia must approve the settlement.